Experts Brainstorm On Environmental, Health Sustainability At UNITE Summit

Experts in the environment, health and real estate sub-sectors have stressed the need to improve the efficiency and environmental impact through sustainable practices in the real estate sector.

The real estate community from Africa, Europe and UAE with over 60 speakers, 50 exhibitors, 650 delegates and about 1000 footfalls converged on Lagos for the UNITE Summit to mark the 10th edition and the return of the most influential real estate event in Africa since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on how the African real estate sector can embrace a more sustainable culture at this year’s edition of the event centered on Climate tech, sustainability with the theme “Towards A Sustainable Culture ‘’ the Keynote speaker, Prof. Obas John Ebohon, laid emphasis on how and where we build can have a great impact on the African environment on health.

The professor of Sustainability and Environmental Law, London South Bank University said, “A 36 per cent  reduction in CO2 emission by 2030 is expected of the real estate sector to remain under the 2oC target, benchmarking with the Paris agreement target. The ultimate goal is carbon neutrality by 2050.’’

According to Dennis Papa Odenyi Quansah, Green Building Lead, IFC Nigeria Ghana and Kenya representative the estimated $768 billion investment potential in green buildings between 2018 and 2030 in emerging market cities is due to the sharp increase in building construction expected over the next few decades and the opportunity to ensure these are built green.

During his presentation on ‘Introduction to sustainability in the built environment, he gave a holistic view of EDGE and how it aligns with all the major international green finance standards.

‘’ Green buildings cost three per cent more upfront with a 3-year payback,’’ he said.

As one of the leading real estate events in Africa which provides a unique platform for participants to meet, network and dialogue, Unite Summit as usual hosted panel discussions on Sustainable building, management and Finance with some of the talent-thought leaders who shared ideas and opinions towards a shared prosperity.